Local WWII veteran receives France's highest award for valor

CENTER CITY (WPVI) -- A local World War II veteran received a special honor from France on Thursday.

95-year-old Frank Horvath was presented with the French Legion of Honor Medal during a ceremony at the French Consulate in Center City.

It is France's highest award for valor.

Horvath is an Army veteran Master Sergeant. He was among the troops that landed on Omaha Beach in 1944 and helped to liberate France from the Nazis.

He was awarded two bronze stars, one with oak leaf cluster. He was also awarded a purple heart for wounds suffered in battle, a good conduct medal, an American Theater Service Medal, and a Victory Medal.

Horvath was honorably discharged on December 9, 1945.

American veterans who risked their lives during World War II and who fought on French territory qualify to be considered for decoration as Chevaliers, or Knights, of the Legion of Honor. Veterans must have fought in one of the four main campaigns of the liberation of France: Normandy, Provence, Ardennes, or Northern France.

Thank you for your service, Master Sergeant Horvath!

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